Maserati opened Detroit’s 2015 North American International Auto Show with the Maserati Ghibli Ermenegildo Zegna Edition, which made its North American premier alongside the highly acclaimed Alfieri concept and the all-wheel drive 2015 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4.
The Ermenegildo Zegna and Maserati collaboration is an extension of a partnership between these two Italian powerhouses, which previously created the Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition, which was limited to 100 vehicles worldwide. The newly debuted Ghibli Ermenegildo Zegna Edition concept is based on the S Q4 version of the Ghibli and provides a first glimpse at Maserati’s possible future product line-up.
In addition to being the Trident’s best sales year on record, 2014 also marked the 100th Anniversary of Maserati, which the brand celebrated worldwide with an array of special events for its valued clients and fans. Maserati North America even made a pit-stop in our dealership in Miami. After a morning of celebration, two police-escorted caravans of over 50 Maserati’s paraded to the PAMM and the Miami International Auto Show.
RECORD SALES IN 2014
In 2014, Maserati sold approximately 36,500 cars worldwide, an increase of 136% compared to 2013 and almost 6 times the sales figure for 2012. There was growth in all the main markets in which Maserati operates: the major milestone was achieved thanks to the sales volumes generated by the Ghibli, the brand’s first E segment executive saloon, followed by the Quattroporte, the luxury flagship saloon, and the exclusive range of GranTurismo and GranCabrio sports cars.
The American market, with 14,690 units and growth of 110% compared to 2013, confirmed its status as Maserati’s biggest market in 2014, with sales boosted by the Ghibli and Quattroporte versions equipped with the 410 HP Twin Turbo engine and Q4 all-wheel drive.
Harald Wester, CEO of Maserati said, “We are proud to end 2014 on such a high note, expanding our dynamic product portfolio, entering new segments, and reinvigorating the Maserati brand. We are fiercely confident in the future of Maserati design, as seen with the spectacular Alfieri and Ghibli Ermenegildo Zegna design concepts, as both are cues of what’s to come from the Trident. And, we are committed defining ‘the absolute opposite of ordinary’ in everything that we do, reaffirming our unique positioning in the luxury sports car market.”
GHIBLI ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA EDITION
Beginning with a new exterior color, Azzurro Astro, a sinuous and specially fashioned exclusively with Zegna, the concept is a scene stealer. This special trimmed Ghibli S Q4 enhances its character to create the ultimate contemporary look. The interior features Zegna-inspired materials and trims with special contrast color combinations of the finest Italian leather and 100% Italian natural fabrics. The result is a bold and contemporary product fashioned for the detail-oriented enthusiast and tailored for connoisseurs of luxury. It pays tribute to the harmony of opposites, a stylistic synthesis between sophisticated design and technological dynamism.
The new, exclusive exterior Azzurro Astro color volume, shine and iridescence to the finish, which is enhanced by iridescent highlights blue and ash grey. The aluminum pigments used for this special color magnify the vehicle’s exterior lines and bring out the muscular profile of its bodywork. The car’s sculpted outline is enhanced by the color used, while the transparent top coat adds another layer of depth and high gloss shine. The exterior is further distinguished by 20″ Urano design high-polished alloy wheels, with a distinctive color that was carefully conceived for this concept car named Liquid Metal. The futuristic wheel design emphasizes its sporty style, high tech appeal and luxury finishes.
The car is powered by the high-performance 410 HP V6 Twin-Turbo engine, with Q4 all-wheel drive system, ensuring 0 to 60 mph acceleration in just 4.7 seconds, thanks to 406 ft-lbs of torque and fully capable of reaching a top speed of 175 mph.
ALFIERI 2+2 CONCEPT
Created to commemorate Maserati’s Centennial, the Alfieri—which takes its name from Alfieri Maserati, the most prominent of the Maserati brothers—explores the stylistic heritage of the brand and anticipates future design trends. A sleek, Italian style 2+2, today’s Alfieri is at the concept stage, yet poised for reality: it was created, designed and built with this goal in mind. Recently revealed in the U.S. at the Los Angeles Motor Show, the Alfieri has received praise from around the world.
This concept interprets Maserati’s most iconic signatures: restyled triple air ducts on the wheel arches; the Trident emblem in a central position on the front grille; the “Saetta” logo on the rear pillar; and forged wheels whose spoke design gives a nod to the Trident profile. The designers’ brief was simplicity and minimalism with a “kick of poetry” to create the comfortably sized 2+2 seat passenger compartment while emphasizing the racing nature of the brand.
QUATTROPORTE S Q4
Now on sale, the 2015 Quattroporte range includes enhancements and added standard equipment for both S Q4 and GTS. The 2015 Quattroporte S Q4 – with 404 HP, state-of-the-art twin-turbo V6 engine and standard all-wheel drive the selection of options has been expanded to include three new paint finishes — Grigio, Grigio Maratea and Bianco Alpi. Two new wheels become available: 19″ Apollo wheel with a diamond-smoothed, matt transparent anthracite finish and 20″ GTS design wheel in silver finish. A wider selection of interior features is available including contrast stitching, red leather upholstery and Black Piano Lacquered trim. Wifi in vehicle hotspot also becomes standard on the Quattroporte range. The top of the range, Quattroporte GTS, with 523 HP from its potent twin-turbo V8 powering the rear wheels – benefits from a sportier and aggressive appearance, heightening its dominance on the road while further differentiating its position at the very top of the range.
For more information about Maserati at the North American International Auto Show, visit: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/following-its-2014-record-breaking-sales-record-maserati-kicks-off-2015-with-new-ermenegildo-zegna-design-concept-unveiling-at-the-2015-detroit-north-american-international-auto-show-300019371.html
